WHALING VOYAGE. 
265 
not forget to visit the Peld of Nuanu, which I have 
attempted to describe in “ Kinau and Tuanoa.” The 
magnificent view that appears to him when on its 
summit richly repays him for the toil of the ascent : 
he can look down a perpendicular precipice of four 
thousand feet, at the bottom of which is a flat valley 
appearing one mass of foliage ; he can enjoy a most 
enchanting view of the great ocean, which appears all 
around. When on its summit, he must not forget to 
observe the spot over which the conquerors used to 
drive the unfortunate vanquished in battle headlong into 
the valley. He will also observe some steps which have 
been cut in a bank at the very peak, which is only 
separated from the precipice by a few feet. The natives 
of the place evince their courage and dexterity by rush- 
ing up this perpendicular bank with a bound, while, 
if the foot of the adventurer slips, or any accident 
occurs, he is sure of being hurried headlong down 
the yawning gulf which exists behind him ; the bare 
thought of which caused me to shudder. Ascending 
the Peld from the town we may enjoy a beautiful view 
of the enchanted waterfall, which descends, Dr. Hooke 
informed me, about two thousand feet. At a distance 
it appears without motion, and resembles much a long 
icicle. 
The visitor to those distant regions must not omit to 
visit the plains of Owhyteetee, and the altar of human 
sacrifice, which has been described before— -nor neglect 
to call at Fleming’s by the way. Beyond the plains 
and near the borders of the sea, he may observe several 
